Redevelopment Would Catalyze Job Creation, Spur Economic Growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Director of the Appalachian Regional Commission to approve a grant to aid the redevelopment of the Monsour Medical Center. Westmoreland County’s Industrial Development Corporation has already completed an environmental assessment of the center, and has begun the process of working to remove the hazardous materials. A redevelopment of the property would open a heavily traveled section of Westmoreland County to revitalization and continued economic growth in the region.
“It’s far past time to redevelop the Monsour Medical Center. A project like this has the opportunity to be a catalyst for economic growth in Westmoreland County and throughout the region,” said Senator Casey. “I’m calling on the Appalachian Regional Commission to assist with the redevelopment of this space so the clean-up efforts move forward in a timely manner.”
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Mr. Hamilton:
Westmoreland County, located in southwestern Pennsylvania, has submitted an application to the Appalachian Regional Commission to redevelop the 6.4 acre Monsour Medical Center. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to give this proposal full and fair consideration.
Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation (WCIDC) completed an environmental assessment of the Monsour Medical Center, which identified the presence of hazardous materials that would require specialized handling, removal and disposal. WCIDC has started the process of hiring a remediation firm to safely dispose of the waste and an ARC grant would assist with the critical next steps of acquisition, demolition and remediation of the Monsour Medical Center. Redevelopment and remediation of this property has the potential to catalyze job creation, revitalize a blighted region of the county, and spur economic growth. WCIDC has communicated that an ARC grant combined with recently awarded state funding would ensure the clean-up and redevelopment efforts have the financial capacity to move forward in a safe and efficient manner.
Thank you for your consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
###
